NUCA buys rights to ‘Dozer Day’ from Nutter Foundation
12 July 2024
NUCA (the National Utility Contractors Association) has acquired the ‘Dozer Day’ programme, including naming rights, with plans to develop existing and new events “over the next several years.”
A young person gets a supervised, hands-on experience with construction machinery during a Dozer Day event. (Image: Dozer Day)
Dozer Day is an annual workforce development fundraiser held in locations across the US: this year’s Dozer Days are scheduled in the states of Nebraska, Tennessee, Missouri, Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
NUCA called Dozer Day an “innovative workforce development program that has introduced thousands of young adults to the nation’s utility construction industry and a meaningful and productive future for themselves.
“Dozer Day is a unique and exciting experience where kids get up close and personal with construction equipment,” explained NUCA. “This event allows children to explore bulldozers, excavators, and other heavy machinery in a safe and educational environment.”
Long associated with the US-based Nutter Family Foundation, the tradition got its start in the US Pacific Northwest and has expanded across the nation over the decades.
“Under the agreement announced… NUCA National has purchased the trademark and naming rights to ‘Dozer Day’ and now owns the Dozer Day name and all subsidiary slogans associated with the event, such as ‘Where Kids Drive’,” said NUCA. “NUCA has also assumed the responsibility for the several existing Dozer Day events planned by NUCA Chapters and associated charitable entities.”
Doug Carlson, NUCA’s chief executive officer, commented that, “Dozer Day provides an unforgettable experience for children, sparking their interest in engineering, construction, and teamwork. We are fortunate that our partnership will continue the special Dozer Day experience for more children and young adults in more American towns.”
A timeline of Dozer Day
Dozer Day is an event first created in 2005 by the Clark County Washington Parks Foundation.
The Nutter Corporation, an excavation construction company located in the US Northwest, took over the event in 2008 as a strategic partner through the Nutter Family Foundation, a charitable organisation benefiting children.
Renee Nutter served as Dozer Day’s first director in 2008. Since then, the Nutter Family Foundation has partnered with NUCA of Washington, NUCA of Eastern Washington and North Idaho, NUCA of Middle Tennessee, NUCA of Nebraska, and NUCA of the Greater Kansas City Region, among other industry organizations, to support and promote Dozer Day in their respective areas, said the association.
Renee Nutter said, “Passing the shovel to NUCA National is a moment of both reflection and excitement for us at Dozer Day.
“This event has always been about more than just showcasing construction machinery – it’s about community, education, and inspiration. We are confident that NUCA National will carry forward our mission with the same passion and dedication.”
